아파트 실내ㆍ외 미세먼지(PM10, PM2.5)와 블랙카본(Black Carbon)의 계절별 농도 및 시간대별 분포 특성 사례연구

A Case Study on Distribution Characteristics of Indoor and Outdoor Particulate Matters (PM10, PM2.5) and Black Carbon (BC) by Season and Time of the Day in Apartment

Background: Particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and black carbon contribute to poor air quality in urban areas, and can also affect indoor environments. Exposure to PM can be associated with respiratory and lung diseases. Objectives: This study investigated the indoor and outdoor concentration distribution patterns of PM10, PM2.5, and black carbon at an apartment building, a typical residential space in the metropolitan areas of South Korea, by season, day of the week (weekday vs. weekend), and time of the day. It aims to obtain foundational data for the effective management of pollutants and investigate the difference in pollution levels between indoor and outdoor environments. Methods: Indoor and outdoor concentrations of PM and black carbon were measured at an apartment building located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do Province, using dust sensors and an Aethalometer AE51 (AethLabs, San Francisco, CA, USA) over the course of a year from June 2020 to May 2021. The concentration distribution patterns were analyzed by season and time of day. Results: PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in the outdoor environment were higher than those in the indoor environment, regardless of the season. By contrast, the indoor black carbon concentration was higher than that in the outdoor environment during summer and autumn. The concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and black carbon were found to be higher on weekdays than during weekends, especially during rush hour, with concentrations of 25.92~56.58 μg/m3, 21.12~44.82 μg/m3, 0.63~3.40 μg/m3. Conclusions: The outdoor concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and black carbon were higher during the weekdays, especially during rush hour, than during weekends. This study is expected to provide basic data for the health management of apartment occupants because it is measured over a period of more than one year.